Readout of Today's Meeting Between Secretary Napolitano and Minister Martinez

Release Date:

June 23, 2010

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Washington, D.C.—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez today forged an agreement between the United States and El Salvador that will strengthen the capabilities of both countries to share information about criminal nationals repatriated to El Salvador or to the United States—bolstering efforts to combat transnational crime and safeguard public safety.

“The United States and El Salvador share a strong commitment to working together to protect the safety of our citizens,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today’s agreement will help ensure that we are able to easily share information about criminals who may pose a threat to public safety in either of our nations.”

“The signing of this letter is extremely important for El Salvador, as this will allow us to advance in the exchange of information of Salvadorans returnees with criminal records, critical to our homeland security,” said Minister Martinez. “We are pleased to have this kind of agreement with the United States, and which is indicative of the excellent bilateral relations between our countries.”

During the meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Martinez discussed the ongoing and vital collaboration between their two countries—and highlighted ways to further increase cooperation and information-sharing in the future.